In a brilliant move, the Modi Government has announced that it is up to the newly-appointed interlocutor for Jammu and Kashmir to decide whom to engage with in the troubled region. Former Intelligence Bureau chief Dineshwar Sharma has been appointed by the Centre as its special representative for a “sustained dialogue” with all stakeholders in Jammu and Kashmir. The retired 1979-batch officer of the Indian Police Service was the IB director from December, 2014, to December, 2016. The move was welcomed by the state government, observing that dialogue was the only way forward to address the Kashmir issue in the larger interest of peace and stability. The Opposition however, alleged it was “only for publicity”.
Speaking on the sidelines of the 56th Raising Day parade of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police, Union Minister Rajnath Singh, when asked if Sharma would hold talks with the Hurriyat Conference, said, “It depends upon him, whom he talks to or engages with.” He stated that Sharma will initiate a sustained interaction and dialogue to understand legitimate aspirations of people in Jammu and Kashmir. This is the boldest political move on Kashmir by Modi, following prolonged anti-India protests in the Valley and particularly intense counter-insurgency operations. This year, 160 militants have been killed so far- a significant number if one looks at the total terrorist strength in the Valley.
Timing of the move is impeccable. Sharma comes as the interlocutor at a time when the All Party Hurriyat Conference led by SAS Geelani and other separatist leaders are trying to maintain their relevance in Kashmir. One of the top leaders Shabir Shah, along with a few key middle level separatist leaders are in a rut due to the sustained investigation of the National Investigation Agency for alleged links to militancy and terrorist financing. Geelani's race against age makes it difficult for him to infuse a new lease of life in the 'azaadi' movement, while the other Hurriyat faction led by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq's influence is restricted to downtown areas of Srinagar. This way, Sharma has it easy. Even though efforts will be made by the group to engage with the government to maintain its relevance, Sharma can safely put them on the periphery, engaging instead, with three sets of loosely defined segments.
There is a perception in the Valley that Centre appointed interlocutors prefer to engage from their cosiness of their location in Srinagar. Sharma is expected to break through Kashmir's skepticism and hear out the most extreme of the anti-India voices ruling the streets.
